Latest news with #CraigBennett
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Donald McDonald death: Play School star and ‘showbiz great' dies aged 86
Play School presenter Donald McDonald has died aged 86. The TV host, born in Australia, was known for his decades-long career spanning both stage and screen, but was most notable for being one of the first hosts of popular BBC children's programme Play School from 1966 to 1969 alongside the likes of Trisha Goddard. News of McDonald's death was confirmed by entertainment journalist Craig Bennett, who was a good friend of the star. He is said to have died after a short illness with an undisclosed form of cancer. 'One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today,' Bennett wrote on Facebook on Tuesday (1 July) alongside a carousel of pictures of the TV veteran. 'Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen, who'd written smash-hit plays like Caravan, dazzled on London's West End, and delighted millions over the decades with his starring turns on TV series like Play School where he was a presenter from 1966 to 1969.' Bennett added: 'He guested on shows from Certain Women, The Box, Cop Shop and Skyways, to the raunchy Alvin Purple, and in movies like Superman Returns. Donald was a dapper delight and always great company.' The reporter shared details about McDonald's final moments. 'On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie,' he continued. 'Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown! He gave his permission to post his last photo, saying., 'What the heck!' Vale to a true gentleman.' Vale is an Australian term used to say 'farewell' or 'rest in peace' when a person dies. Tributes poured in as one person wrote: 'I have fond memories of times spent with him. He was such a kind man and was always great fun.' A former colleague added: 'A very good man… was honoured to be part of the first national tour of Caravan. Some wonderful memories. Sending love to you all.' 'He was great indeed,' commented another. 'I worked with him several times at Crawfords. He was always open with his vast experience and knowledge. I was fortunate. Fly high Donald. My condolences to his family and many friends.'
ABC News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Australian actor and original Play School presenter Donald MacDonald dead at 86
Australian actor Donald MacDonald, who was one of the first Play School presenters, has died at the age of 86. MacDonald, who performed in Australia and the United Kingdom, died of cancer on the Gold Coast in the early hours of Monday. Cousin and fellow actor Paula Duncan said she would never forget MacDonald's storytelling ability, comedic flair and impeccable sense of timing. "Donald was like a big brother to me — I grew up with him and he helped train me," she said. "I've had an adoration for him all my life. MacDonald's career in film, television and on the stage spanned decades and included credits on The Box, Cop Shop and A Town Like Alice. More recently he appeared in Rake, Kenny and Superman Returns. Duncan said MacDonald was humble by nature. "He was someone who appreciated life but was never vain or a personality that wanted a lot of attention — in fact he'd probably shy away from it," she said. Duncan said MacDonald also wrote plays and novels. "His career was so substantial," she said. "It's kind of sad in a way, because all this media is going to come out now. "I wish it came out when he was alive and all these people could see what he actually did — he was just extraordinary. Showbusiness reporter and friend Craig Bennett said he shared a cheers with MacDonald in the hospital on the weekend. He said MacDonald's career, which began in Sydney, showcased his range. "[Including] The Box, the sex-and-sin soapie of the 1970s, where he played a closeted gay newsreader," Bennett said. "Back then people clutched their pearls and grabbed their smelling salts because we didn't hear much of these things.
The Sun
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Donald MacDonald dead aged 86: BBC children's TV star dies after cancer battle as family pay tribute to ‘true gentleman'
A LEGENDARY TV presenter hailed for hosting a beloved children's' show has died aged 86. Donald Macdonald, best known for lighting up the screen on Play School, passed away on Monday after a brave battle with cancer. Across his stellar 40-year career, Donald starred in stage productions and TV dramas. His credits include John McKellar's A Cup of Tea, a Bex and a Good Lie Down. News of the star's death was confirmed by journalist Craig Bennett. He penned a moving tribute on Donald's social media which read: "One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today. "Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen, who'd written smash-hit plays like Caravan, dazzled on London's West End, and delighted millions over the decades with his starring turns on TV series like Play School where he was a presenter from 1966 to 1969. "He guested on shows from Certain Women, The Box, Cop Shop and Skyways, to the raunchy Alvin Purple, and in movies like Superman Returns. Donald was a dapper delight and always great company." He added: "On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie. "Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown! He gave his permission to post his last photo, saying 'what the heck!' Vale to a true gentleman." 1 is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Perth Now
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Beloved Play School actor dies at 86
Donald Macdonald, one of Play School's first presenters and respected actor, has died aged 86. Remembered as one of the original presenters when Play School launched in 1966, the Sydney-born actor died following a battle with cancer surrounded by family. Journalist Craig Bennett shared the news on Monday, penning a heartfelt tribute to 'a true gentleman'. 'One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today,' the post said. 'Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen, who'd written smash hit plays like Caravan, dazzled on London's West End, and delighted millions over the decades with his starring turns on TV series like Play School where he was a presenter from 1966 to 1969.' Macdonald with his close friend Judy Nunn. Facebook/ Craig Bennett Credit: Supplied Spending his final days with his 'cherished' cousins Paula Duncan and Amelia Barrett, Bennett said Macdonald faced the cancer with 'copious good humour'. 'On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie!' Bennett wrote. 'Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown!' Macdonald's career spanned more than 40 years, with credits including appearances on popular Australian TV shows such as Certain Women, The Box, Rake, Cop Shop, and Skyways. Craig Bennett salutes Macdonald's life and friendship with Paula Duncan and Craig Murchie. Picture Facebook/ Craig Bennett Credit: Supplied He also featured in the cult film Alvin Purple and made a cameo in Superman Returns. A highly regarded figure in the arts, Macdonald became an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1991 for his leadership as general manager of the Australian Opera. In 2006, he was recognised as a Companion of the Order of Australia for his outstanding impact on national life and the creative industries, including his work in public broadcasting. Fans remembered Macdonald as a 'lovely gentleman', posting condolences under the tribute. 'A very good man … was honoured to be part of the first national tour of Caravan. Some wonderful memories. Sending love to you all,' one fan commented. Macdonald, pictured with Duncan, has been remembered as a 'stalwart of stage and screen'. Facebook/ Craig Bennett Credit: Supplied 'Thank you, Craig for letting us all know. A sad day for those Left Behind who loved this dear gentleman. It's beautiful Craig how you honour people that need to be honoured and reminds all of us of their rich and incredible life. May he rest in peace.' another added. 'We were VERY LUCKY to meet Donald through you both, get to know him, and be entertained by his lovely demeanour, sharp wit and of course his writing skills. What a lovely, gentleman.'
News.com.au
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Dapper Delight': Acting great Donald Maconald dies after cancer battle
Donald Macdonald, one of Play School's first presenters and respected actor, has died aged 86. Remembered as one of the original presenters when Play School launched in 1966, the Sydney-born actor died following a battle with cancer surrounded by family. Journalist Craig Bennett shared the news on Monday, penning a heartfelt tribute to 'a true gentleman'. 'One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today,' the post said. 'Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen, who'd written smash hit plays like Caravan, dazzled on London's West End, and delighted millions over the decades with his starring turns on TV series like Play School where he was a presenter from 1966 to 1969.' Spending his final days with his 'cherished' cousins Paula Duncan and Amelia Barrett, Bennett said Macdonald faced the cancer with 'copious good humour'. 'On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie!' Bennett wrote. 'Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown!' Macdonald's career spanned more than 40 years, with credits including appearances on popular Australian TV shows such as Certain Women, The Box, Rake, Cop Shop, and Skyways. He also featured in the cult film Alvin Purple and made a cameo in Superman Returns. A highly regarded figure in the arts, Macdonald became an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1991 for his leadership as general manager of the Australian Opera. In 2006, he was recognised as a Companion of the Order of Australia for his outstanding impact on national life and the creative industries, including his work in public broadcasting. Fans remembered Macdonald as a 'lovely gentleman', posting condolences under the tribute. 'A very good man … was honoured to be part of the first national tour of Caravan. Some wonderful memories. Sending love to you all,' one fan commented. 'Thank you, Craig for letting us all know. A sad day for those Left Behind who loved this dear gentleman. It's beautiful Craig how you honour people that need to be honoured and reminds all of us of their rich and incredible life. May he rest in peace.' another added. 'We were VERY LUCKY to meet Donald through you both, get to know him, and be entertained by his lovely demeanour, sharp wit and of course his writing skills. What a lovely, gentleman.'
